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2006 Audi A6 Mid-Size Luxury Sedan
New Car Review of the 2006 Audi A6 Mid-Size Luxury Sedan
Base MSRP Range: $43,970 - $53,770
Base Invoice Range: $40,641 - $49,559
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MSRP As Tested: Not Available.
Versions: Quattro, Avant.
Vehicle Category: Mid-Size Luxury Sedan
Engine Location: Front Engine
Drive Wheels: Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive.
Standard Engine: 3.2-liter, Dual Overhead Cam, 12-valves, V-6, 255 â€' horsepower at 6500 rpm and 243 lb-ft torque at 3250 rpm.
Optional Engine Engine: 3.8-liter, Dual Overhead Cam, 24-valves, V-8, 335 â€'horsepower at 6600 rpm and 310 lb-ft torque at 3500 rpm.
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 17/26.
Transmission: Six-speed automatic , Six-speed automatic with Tiptronic .
Standard Safety Features: Driver and passenger airbags, Front side airbags, Curtain side airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, Brake assist, Antiskid system, Front and rear active head restraints, Tire-pressure monitor, Rear-obstacle-detection system, Emergency inside trunk release.
Competition: Acura RL, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M, Lexus GS, Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
In the grand tradition of German cars, Audi is always pushing the envelope for style, ride and technology, almost always resulting in a very good product. The 2006 Audi A6 is no exception, adding a more aggressive grille and improving on an already luxurious interior. The addition of the Avant wagon this year will expand its popularity.
The only hang-up on the A6 is the same hang-up many newer luxury cars have: trying to minimize dials for a cleaner dash, they’ve increased the difficulty of operation. It is noteworthy to mention that BMW’s iDrive is much, much more complicated than Audi’s Multi Media Interface (MMI), which is included in all A6 models and combines many of the car’s controls into one. After a few at-rest practice lessons, it becomes easier to operate, but honestly, simple controls are not only safer but also more convenient. That having been said, it’s one of the few drawbacks in an, otherwise, highly recommended vehicle.
Audi offers three versions this year: The 255-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 sedan, the 335-pony 4.2-liter V8 sedan, and the Avant wagon (also with a 3.2-liter engine.) Returning is Audi’s trademark Quattro all-wheel-drive system, optional on the 3.2-liter sedan, but standard on the 4.2, and the Avant.
It’s a car (and brand) that’s often overlooked in a red-hot market where Lexus and BMW tower over the rest. Audi doesn’t do a very good job of promoting itself to the general public, but it should â€' after all, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is more expensive and offers a less refined interior than the A6.
EXTERIOR
Audi hasn’t lost its distinctive exterior look this year, with a grille that sticks out â€' but in the best of ways. The trapezoidal grille compliments the aerodynamic ellipsoid projector headlights (which have variable focus reflectors, integrated low and high beam tubes and polycarbonate covers.) It is sporty and elegant at the same time. The V8 gets bi-xenon, steering-linked, adaptive headlights have automatic self-leveling, and are optional on the 3.2-liter.
The aluminum trim rimming that appears on the nose continues to the side windows, tops of the door handles, and sills. A chrome strip across the trunk finishes the look, complimenting the two rear (and two front) fog lamps. In the back, also find a rear wiper for the Avant (which also gets roof rails.) All models get rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers up front, with power outside folding and dimming mirrors.
All this rides on 225/55HR tires and 16-inch alloy rims on the front wheel drive 3.2-liter version. All-wheel-drive adds 245/45HR tires and 17-inch rims, which come standard on the 4.2-liter V8. 18-inch polished alloy rims can be added to either model for $900 to $1,200 (depending on whether it’s the 3.2-liter and FWD or AWD).
